The Havre football team will take the field for the first time at home after securing a monster win in Hardin last week. After previewing the offensive side of the ball earlier this week, the defensive side will look a lot different, losing key senior captains Brisbin Reiter, Jacob Herring, and Carson Harris, but returning a core up front. New Media Broadcasters spoke with head coach Jake Eldridge, who dissected the defensive side of the ball for his 2024 Havre team.
“We’re continuing to be a work in progress,” Eldridge said. “We’re shifting a lot of things around and doing some different things, giving kids a lot of different reps at different spots to try and create that depth. As we move forward here, I think we’re going to solidify where guys are at and keep them there”
“I’m just happy with their progress and I’m happy with their work ethic,” Eldridge continued. “They’re doing a really good job. Those guys that are coming back that have been playing on that side of the ball for us the last couple of years understand what the expectation is and how we have to be able to operate.”
“They’re doing a really good job of leading and mentoring those guys,” Eldridge said. “It’s starting to come together.”
Havre will have its hands full on Friday night, going up against a Billings Central Catholic squad that went to the state semifinals one season ago, but returns just eight seniors from its (9-1) squad. Eldridge didn’t buy into the loss of Hall of Famer Jim Stanton’s team and said they still possess players that have come through the pipeline and are ready to contribute to try and knock off the Ponies.
“Well, I think they’re a lot of the same,” Eldridge said. “They’re very well coached. Coach Stanton and his staff do an unbelievable job with their schemes, putting people in positions to be able to execute what they want to be able do.”
“He always has really good skills guys,” Eldridge continued. “They’re big and physical on both sides of the ball and they have a lot of depth.”
“It’s a great challenge for us,” Eldridge said. “We’re super excited. Our kids love playing in these types of games. This is what it’s about: a highly competitive game that really means a lot.”
One of the top high school football games this week in the state of Montana between Billings Central (1-0) and Havre (1-0) is set for Friday at 7pm from Blue Pony Stadium. Noah Friedman will call the game on KOJM-610AM, 98.3FM, 92.5 Digital Channel 3, and HiLineToday.com.
